STAFF at a Bootle betting shop were left shaken after a gunman threatened them before stealing cash.

A man wearing a black hooded jacket entered Betfred, on Hawthorne Road, at around 9.45pm on Sunday, September 9 and staff say he was holding what appeared to be a handgun.

No one was injured in the terrifying incident, but they were left extremely shaken after the man made threats with the weapon and stole cash, before running off towards Gloucester Road.

He is described by police as white, 5ft 6in tall, wearing a black hooded jacket with his hood up and a face covering, and spoke with a strong Liverpool accent.

CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing but initial CCTV does not show a clear image of the offender.

Detective Inspector Jackie Guinness said: “Staff in the shop were thankfully unhurt but understandably distressed to have been threatened with what appeared to be a firearm, regardless of whether it was real or fake. We are supporting them as they come to terms with the effect of this man’s despicable actions.

“I would appeal to anyone in the Hawthorne Road area from around 9.30pm on Sunday who saw the offence taking place, or saw any masked man acting suspiciously, to contact police, as any detail could be key to our investigation. Likewise if you saw him making off and have any CCTV or were passing in a vehicle with dashcam, let us know and we will do the rest.

“We have spoken with the owners and staff to offer reassurance but I want to assure all businesses that we will do everything possible to identify all of those involved and bring them to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the social media desk @MerPolCC, call 101 with reference 18200190098 or you can call or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.